The Resistance Is Off To An Incredible Start. Here’s How We Can Continue The Momentum

Marching In The Streets Is Just Step One

So we’re a few weeks in to the Trump administration and reality is setting in: Things aren’t going to get better, he’s not going to calm down, and we can’t just sit back and wait for things to happen anymore.

We’ve all seen the protests around the country and, like many of you, I’ve been amazed at our new levels of engagement. I love seeing so many people in the streets and being unafraid to shout out loud that we’re not willing to take a single step backward. 

But now that we’re getting into a rhythm and having to figure out how to live in the world these days, let’s talk about how to keep this going. If we’re going to have an impact, we’re going to have to do more than just take to the streets. Let me be clear: Taking to the streets is awesome, and we shouldn’t stop that, either. I just think we need to round out our efforts. 

Show up. 

We’ve all demonstrated that we have the ability and desire to leave our comfortable couches and make ourselves seen and heard. It’s time to focus that movement toward action. City council meetings, state legislative sessions and school board meetings are all open to the public. Show up. Many of them leave time for citizen input and gladly welcome your thoughts. If you’re concerned that Betsy DeVos has absolutely no relevant experience and you’re scared of what she might do, show up to your local school board meeting and comment on the agenda and what’s being proposed. 

Most state legislatures allow for public comments during committee hearings on bills. Find out what’s on the calendar, attend the meeting, and sign up to be heard. If elected officials don’t hear from us, they’re going to think that what they’re doing is fine — and it’s a lot harder to ignore someone when they’re speaking to you face to face.

Use your time wisely.

There are a lot of different groups calling for action these days, but they’re not being so efficient with their resources. Signing a third-party petition is almost certainly a waste of time. What you’re really doing is signing up for an email list. Postcard parties are a great way to build community but a horrible way to make your voice heard. Elected officials don’t spend their time reading your emails and your postcards. Emails typically go through an auto-sort formula and get an auto-reply email in response. Postcards end up in the trash. A phone call and an actual conversation is going to be far better, every time. 

Start volunteering. 

We all know our public schools ad other community groups need more resources. Complaining on social media that the government is cutting funding isn’t going to help them. Rolling up your sleeves and getting involved is a surefire way to have a real impact. It might not be glamorous work. You might help with cleaning a facility or addressing envelopes, but you may also help run a program with kids in need or building relationships with new friends and neighbors. 

I used to work for a community LGBTQ nonprofit. We always needed help. Always. It wasn’t always exciting in the moment, but having volunteers around helped us further our mission and reach more people, and when we were successful, it was amazing. I promise you there are groups out there just waiting for you and hoping you’ll call them.  

There are so many ways to effect real change now, no matter who you are or where you live. We aren’t going to be able to change everything, but wow, if we focus our efforts on what we can do? We can make some pretty amazing things happen. 

Robbie Medwed is an Atlanta-based LGBT activist, educator, and writer. He’s hopeful more of you will start showing up for your home communities and stop doing silly things that won’t have much of an impact. Follow him on Twitter: @rjmedwed.